June 21/01 1:31 am - HP WomenÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Challenge

Posted by Editoress on 06/21/01

HP Women's Challenge Stage 10 - Team Reports

INTERSPORTS Cycling Team Race Report - courtesy IntersportsThe newest and longest stage of the 2001 HP Women's Challenge was a 100 mile slog between Twin Falls and Mountain Home ID in blisteringly hot 100 degree temperatures. Rolling out of Twin Falls, the peloton was led by Saturn team riders Krysty Scymegeour and Ina Teutenberg, ever mindful of their team's stranglehold on the overall race.

After 30 miles of racing, the Intersports Cycling Team moved to the front to take up the tempo leading towards the first of the day's many hot spot sprints. At the first sprint Intersports Cathy Marsal led in for the points ahead of teammate and faithful lieutenant Sandy Espeseth. Shortly after the sprint, team cars began moving forward on a never ending series of bottle hand ups to thirsty sun burnt riders. At the 70km mark the first climb of the day sprung up on the riders.

Jeannie Longo, ever interested in the Climber's Points, led over the top ahead of Bessette, Arndt and Intersports' Sundstedt. The group split on the way up the climb but came back together in the next 10kms heading towards the second sprint of the day. At this point roles were reversed and Sandy Espeseth took the points ahead of Brooke Blackwelder from the Goldy's Team. Again Intersports' Marsal maintained her advantage in the points competition. Immediately after the second mountain sprint of the day loomed and over the top Jolanta Polikeviciute out kicked Longo and Intersports' Sundstedt for the points.

After a final sprint point took by Espeseth the field prepared for the finish after nearly 4 hours of racing. Several attacks punctuated the closing kilometres but diligent work by the Saturn team assured a bunch finish and the victory for German sprinter Ina Teutenberg.

AutoTrader.com Cycling Team Report

This Stage 10 road race traveled the river and desert country between Twin Falls and Mountain Home. The 97 mile race had two hills equaling approximately 1400 feet of climbing. The first climb came 46 miles into the race and split the peleton into 8 groups by the top. All groups were able to regroup within 10 miles. The peleton was content to stay together, even on the 2nd climb of the day. It wasn't until mile 90, seven miles from the finish, that the race heated up and a breakaway of three threatened the win.

Chantal Beltman (Dutch National) attacked the group with Anna Milward (Saturn) tucked tight on her wheel. Julie Young (AutoTrader.com) reacted quickly and bridged the small gap to the two and the three were on their way to the finish line. The trio had worked a 15 second gap and the field seemed content to let them go. Until the Aca Duo team, who was absent in the break, used their entire team to chase the break and effectively caught the three with 2 miles to go. The finale came down to a field sprint with Ina Teutenberg (Saturn) taking the stage. Mirella van Melis was 2nd andKatia Longhin was 3rd.